Written by Jonathan Morris
Directed by Ken Bentley
Starring Sylvester McCoy, Bonnie Langford & Nicholas Briggs
I just thought that I'd write some thoughts on this story, since it's recently released, and since little has been put on this blog recently, so I've decided to post something about a recent story to keep the blog ticking over.
One thing that I really liked about We Are The Daleks was how it felt really fresh and original. After all, this is the 201st Main Range release, and it has been made clear that this is meant to be a new start to the range. And I think that this is really well put across, because even though this story is made up of certain elements that have been seen before e.g. video games that aren't what they seem, Daleks who are pretending to be something there not, people being persuaded by the lure of economic power etc., etc. But Morris doesn't simply use these tropes to fuel a story, but rather uses them as a very powerful vehicle for a comment about the nature of the human race, and how we are, in many ways, the Daleks. And this is most apparent through the character of Celia Dunthorpe, played by Mary Conlon, who puts in a pitch perfect performance. She comes across really, really strongly as a central villain character who highlights the comment that Morris is making, not just about the politics of the 1980's, but also the politics of today. It isn't just a comment about how politics works, but also how our society is based. I loved the speech about how human nature is focused inward, and how people in the west are focused upon wanting cheap goods, and their not really bothered about where they come from.
But what makes this comment so strong is that the story isn't just weighted down with it. The more simpler, action-adventure part of the story are just as fun, and I think that helps. Because the story is so fun, it really makes the comment hit home. The two discs simply flew by, and before I knew it, I was at the end. The characters just leap off the page, and all of them are so well formed. Characters like Zenos, Celia and Niles are brilliantly written, and given plenty of dimension. The actors are also fantastic, with Angus Wright being a standout as Zenos. The rest of the cast were also enjoyable, but the guest actor who stole the show, even more so than Conlon and Wright, has been Nicholas Briggs as the Daleks. I think he's perhaps becoming one of Who's standout semi-regular performers, with some great performances as a variety of Daleks. Sylvester McCoy and Bonnie Langford are also amazing as the Doctor and Mel, really capturing the performances that they gave back in the late 80's. I was very impressed with Morris for giving the pair plenty to do, and toning down some of their season 24 qualities.
Overall, I really enjoyed We Are The Daleks. It's a brilliant story, with plenty of enjoyable ideas and a light tone which means it's message never feels heavy handed or forced. It makes a very strong start to the next few years of the main range.
Directed by Ken Bentley
Starring Sylvester McCoy, Bonnie Langford & Nicholas Briggs
I just thought that I'd write some thoughts on this story, since it's recently released, and since little has been put on this blog recently, so I've decided to post something about a recent story to keep the blog ticking over.
One thing that I really liked about We Are The Daleks was how it felt really fresh and original. After all, this is the 201st Main Range release, and it has been made clear that this is meant to be a new start to the range. And I think that this is really well put across, because even though this story is made up of certain elements that have been seen before e.g. video games that aren't what they seem, Daleks who are pretending to be something there not, people being persuaded by the lure of economic power etc., etc. But Morris doesn't simply use these tropes to fuel a story, but rather uses them as a very powerful vehicle for a comment about the nature of the human race, and how we are, in many ways, the Daleks. And this is most apparent through the character of Celia Dunthorpe, played by Mary Conlon, who puts in a pitch perfect performance. She comes across really, really strongly as a central villain character who highlights the comment that Morris is making, not just about the politics of the 1980's, but also the politics of today. It isn't just a comment about how politics works, but also how our society is based. I loved the speech about how human nature is focused inward, and how people in the west are focused upon wanting cheap goods, and their not really bothered about where they come from.
But what makes this comment so strong is that the story isn't just weighted down with it. The more simpler, action-adventure part of the story are just as fun, and I think that helps. Because the story is so fun, it really makes the comment hit home. The two discs simply flew by, and before I knew it, I was at the end. The characters just leap off the page, and all of them are so well formed. Characters like Zenos, Celia and Niles are brilliantly written, and given plenty of dimension. The actors are also fantastic, with Angus Wright being a standout as Zenos. The rest of the cast were also enjoyable, but the guest actor who stole the show, even more so than Conlon and Wright, has been Nicholas Briggs as the Daleks. I think he's perhaps becoming one of Who's standout semi-regular performers, with some great performances as a variety of Daleks. Sylvester McCoy and Bonnie Langford are also amazing as the Doctor and Mel, really capturing the performances that they gave back in the late 80's. I was very impressed with Morris for giving the pair plenty to do, and toning down some of their season 24 qualities.
Overall, I really enjoyed We Are The Daleks. It's a brilliant story, with plenty of enjoyable ideas and a light tone which means it's message never feels heavy handed or forced. It makes a very strong start to the next few years of the main range.
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